Common work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the nurses in different Hospitals.

Abstract

Purpose: The study was done to identify the common work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the nurses in different hospitals. Objective: To determine the common work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the nurses Method: The study design was cross-sectional. Total 101 samples were selected conveniently for this study from various hospitals in Dhaka. Data was collected by using mixed type of questionnaire. Descriptive statistic was used for data analysis. Result: The result shows that among 101 participants, 26% in low back, 14% in neck, 15% in thoracic, 17% in knee and 14% has ankle joint complications. Moreover, 8% in hip, 3% in shoulder, 2% in elbow and 1% participant face complications in wrist joint. Maximum participants were from 20- 29 and 40-49 years of age group. Age is significant with two body parts and also significant in association with Numeric pain rating scale. Male (19%) and female (81%) and most affected body parts are not significant with gender. It shows that 61% nurses work in the medical wards. Most of the education level was Diploma (91%). The duration of working experience is more than 10 years (54%) and also significant with 3 body parts such as knee, hip and ankle joint and also significant with numeric pain rating scale. The researcher found that 52% participants work 8-10 hours per day and 39% participants work more than 10 hours per day. This study is significant for 4 most affected body parts such as lumbar, knee, hip and ankle as well as also significant in association with numeric pain rating scale. The researcher found that 55% in normal BMI and 42% in BMI of overweight. It is significant in association with most affected body parts in 2 body parts such as thoracic and knee joint. The researcher found that 22% of participants suffered from mild pain, 57% from moderate level of pain and 2% suffered from severe pain. And it was significant in association with age, working hours and working experience. The researcher also found that 57% has symptoms of pain, 19% has symptoms of cramp, 12% has tingling sensation and 3%, 4%, 5% has numbness, burning sensation and aching type of symptoms respectably. Conclusion: The study was representing the strong evidence that WMSDs was common and significant burden among nurses. In order to reduce musculoskeletal problems, correct postural practices, reduction of prolonged working hours significantly can prevent WMSDs. Key words: WMSDs, Nurses.